Storm knocks out power to more than 25,000 homes and businesses

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A spring nor’easter dumped up to 17 inches of wet, heavy snow in parts of Vermont, snapping trees and knocking out power to more than 25,000 homes and businesses.

Some of the worst damage is in Rutland, where fallen trees and power lines blocked streets and electricity to the offices of Central Vermont Public Service was lost, preventing many people who had lost power from reporting it.

Detective Chris Kiefer of the Rutland Police Department says there are wires down, power lines down and roads closed, with much of the city in the dark.

Central Vermont Public Service’s telephone and computer systems were damaged when it lost power.

Rain-swollen rivers and creeks were in danger of flooding as the storm pelted the Northeast with rain, snow and high winds at a time of year normally reserved for golfing and gardening.

The National Weather Service dropped its winter storm warning, but not before 17 inches of snow fell in Warren, 11 inches in Andover, 9 in Shrewsbury and about 4 inches in South Burlington. The weight of the late-season snow loaded down trees and power lines, knocking out transmission lines all over.

As the snow turned to rain, flooding was a major concern.

In Rockingham, Saxtons River rose about 2 feet overnight and was in danger of flooding, according to Mark Bosma, a spokesman for Vermont Emergency Management.

In Brattleboro, Wetstone Brook was nearing flood stage early Monday, he said.

Wind was expected to pose problems, too, with gusts reaching 40 miles an hour.

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